When it launched back in 2017, Assassin's Creed Origins was a leap of faith in many ways. Ubisoft had been experimenting with RPG-like mechanics before it, but it was the first to dive fully into it. Odyssey would then take this formula and double-down, being the first game in the franchise technically praised as an action RPG versus an action-adventure game with RPG elements. Now, while there are many who would prefer to see the heavily rumored next entry in the franchise, Assassin's Creed Ragnarok, return to its roots, that doesn't seem likely.
What does seem likely is that Assassin's Creed Ragnarok will continue the hot streak set by its predecessors, one in which is arguably mostly responsible for breaking up the franchise, but the RPG elements are only one part of that. Namely, the historical setting and mythology said to be explored in Assassin's Creed Ragnarok is one more familiar to gamers: norse-like settings, mythology, vikings, and more. That's not to say Egypt and Greece haven't been done before, but it simply pales in comparison to the presence of norse mythology.
Assassin's Creed Ragnarok: Vikings, Norse Mythology, and More
First, it's worth recapitulating what's been said about Assassin's Creed Ragnarok. Players will take on the role of someone named Jora, who can be either male or female, during the Viking Era (a time period just relatively before the original Assassin's Creed). Supposedly, there will be a big emphasis on ships, a new feature called Berserker mode, and more, while speculatively this could include multiple Pieces of Eden and a major cataclysmic event baesd on the subtitle (though there are a few indications what's said about Assassin's Creed Ragnarok is wrong).
This is a big advantage for the franchise if at least the setting is accurate (as has been highly corroborated), as this norse inspiration can be found in a number of games. Fans cannot play through Skyrim without there being norse beliefs and ideologies spread throughout, God of War brought players to a mythical and Norse setting, Tales of Phantasia incorporated a ton of similar concepts, and Hellblade is set in this time as well. And that's ignoring the tales of ragnarok in other works, such as Thor in the MCU and upcoming Avengers game.
In short, it's everywhere should only one pay close enough attention, and this is a big boon for Assassin's Creed Ragnarok. One of the biggest draws for the franchise is its exploration of various time periods and settings, with the Italian Renaissance, American Revolution, and the Golden Age of Piracy standing out perhaps among the pack. Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece were fine additions to the various time periods in the franchise, but perhaps not the most in-demand locations.
Why Not Assassin's Creed Japan?
Of course, it would be remiss to mention locations behind in demand without mentioning a Japanese Assassin's Creed game. It's been in high demand, perhaps dating all the way back to its initial teases in Assasin's Creed 3 and Black Flag, so a Norse setting before it may seem strange. It's almost as if Assassin's Creed is avoiding its best time period and setting, and while that was definitely a valid question nearly a decade ago (the time of it being teased), it's worth looking at the current playing field.
Norse settings and influence are the goose's golden eggs; its content that fans have shown no tiring from, if Skyrim's sales are any indication. On the other hand, Japan is for a more niche audience and a more niche locale, with the main focusing presumably being Samurai if such a game were to ever exist. This means it would be competing in a smaller playing field with the likes of Sekiro and Ghost of Tsushima. It's true there's plenty of competition in the Norse realm as well, but as aforementioned, it's a classic setting with a strong draw.
In all likelihood, Assassin's Creed should visit Japan some day, but it makes sense why it's not "today." It's doubtful that Assassin's Creed Ragnarok will be the last entry in the franchise, so fingers crossed Japan crops up in 2021 or 2022.
Assassin's Creed Ragnarok is rumored to be in development.